Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
While gutter guards aren't always needed, indicators of clogged gutters are clear. Issues stemming from persistent gutter problems include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks from the gutters
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your house's foundation
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Companies with experience can properly measure and install gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Inquire about how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from nearby customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
When contacting potential installation providers, always verify that they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured with both general liability and workers compensation policies. This protects you if any accidents or injuries happen. Ask for current licensing and insurance papers from potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Seek out companies that carry leading reputable gutter guard brands such as LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet. Be wary of companies only offering generic no-name or their own off-brand guards, as these likely do not have the same rigorous testing as reputable national brands.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For top performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Select a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using generic guards. Correctly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies typically offer 20-year or lifetime warranties against clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to safeguard your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, it's best to select companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary gutter guard types include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that rest in your gutters to block debris. They're lightweight and easy to install. On average, you can expect to spend $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost around $4.47 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. These guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.20 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris into your gutters than mesh. These types of guards are extremely effective. On average, you can expect to spend $5.27 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $3.28 per linear foot for surface tension guards.